Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says such risks are "small when compared to the benefits that [X-rays] can provide," the agency says efforts should be made to prevent unneeded exposure to ionizing radiation.

The agency suggests that parents of children who need X-rays:

Keep track of the child's medical-imaging history.

Ask the doctor about the benefits and risks of X-rays.

Ask the doctor if another procedure that doesn't use ionizing radiation might be just as effective.

Ask the X-ray facility if it uses techniques to reduce radiation exposure.